Dear Dan, I have recently sought the guidance of a Spiritual director which I would say was greatly influenced by your and Fr. John's suggestions. My concern is that my Spiritual Director has suggested Centering Prayer. I'd appreciate it if you can share your thoughts on that. Thanks.
First things first – I am greatly encouraged by your steps toward deepening your faith through spiritual direction! With respect to your question,... Read More

Centering Prayer: What the Vatican has to say about it
Has the Vatican ever addressed the topic of Centering Prayer or the teachings commonly held by those who advocate or practice Centering Prayer?
Yes, the approach to prayer commonly referred to “Centering Prayer” has been formally and specifically addressed by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (we provide the text of this important document below).... Read More

Time for God by Father Jacques Philippe: Book Recommendation
Someone once said that true genius is not in understanding complexity but in the ability to communicate complex issues in simple terms that anyone can understand. Father Jacques Philippe accomplishes in a very short easy read what most require volumes to explore and explain about the spiritual life, and specifically the life of prayer.
Father Philippe begins this fantastic... Read More

Foundational to any sound spiritual direction is the idea that there actually is a tangible direction to discover. That is, the practice presumes that spiritual truth is an expression of objective reality – just as objective and real as a map of your own hometown. For instance, if you asked someone to give you directions to the Cathedral and you ended up at the town dump, you would clearly know that something was amiss.... Read More

Though this blog is primarily dedicated to positive teachings the spiritual life, from time to time there are issues that must be addressed that are not so positive. For in your in-depth review, we have provided links to several articles that address the challenges with “Centering” prayer.
Though many attest that they have benefited from centering prayer (and have not necessarily sinned in so doing); those who were... Read More

Fire Within: St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, and the Gospel–On Prayer
by Father Thomas Dubay
Fire Within by Father Thomas Dubay
Fire Within by Father Thomas Dubay is a fantastic and engaging work of synthesis and systematization of the thought of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross on mystical contemplation. One of the more encouraging aspects of this book is the truth that the call to contemplation... Read More

100 years ago, our Blessed Mother entrusted three shepherd children with an important message of penance, sacrifice and prayer for the conversion of sinners and of the world. The post Our Lady’s Message – DI Radio Show and Podcast appeared first on SpiritualDirection.com / Catholic Spiritual Direction.

What exactly is "the prayer of quiet" and why does God call us to this type of prayer? Today, Dan and Melissa answer this question and dive deeper into the realm of contemplative prayer. The post The Realm of Contemplative Prayer – DI Radio Show and Podcast appeared first on SpiritualDirection.com / Catholic Spiritual Direction.

Dan and Melissa speak with Fr. George Rutler about his book "The Stories of Hymns: The History Behind 100 of Christianity’s Greatest Hymns". The post The Stories of Hymns – Divine Intimacy Radio Show and Podcast appeared first on SpiritualDirection.com / Catholic Spiritual Direction.